Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Zyrtec is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.

Zyrtec is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).

Zyrtec may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Zyrtec with or without food.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not swallow the Zyrtec dissolving tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever. Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.

DOSAGE

Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zyrtec.

STORAGE

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Or store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

You are allergic to any ingredient in Zyrtec or to hydroxyzine Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. Some medical conditions may interact with Zyrtec . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances if you have kidney or liver problems, or are receiving dialysis

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Zyrtec ; it may add to their effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have any medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Zyrtec. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Important safety information:

Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur.

If you are scheduled for allergy testing, ask your doctor if you should stop taking this medication for several days before testing. This drug may affect your allergy test results.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and health care provider.

SIDE EFFECTS

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Zyrtec: